In 2013, The New England Journal of Medicine published Pevsner's team findings of a somatic mutation that causes SWS and port-wine birthmarks. The study revealed a nucleotide transition in gene GNAQ on chromosome 9q21. This was achieved by using whole genome sequencing, and the team is currently using biochemical approaches to understand the consequence of this mutation.

Dr. Pevsner also holds a primary faculty appointment in the department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

"Dr. Pevsner brings not only an impressive scientific track-record to the SWF team but an uplifting team spirit. We are tremendously excited with the addition of Dr. Pevsner as Chief Scientific Officer," stated Karen L. Ball, SWF President and CEO. "We anticipate that Dr. Pevsner will build a collaborative cadre of united researchers who will set bold goals as we work on behalf of the individuals living with SWS."

"I am thrilled to be named the chief scientific officer of the Sturge-Weber Foundation," said Jonathan Pevsner, Ph.D. "I share the passion and vision of The Sturge-Weber Foundation's goal to positively impact the lives of the patients and families with SWS and strengthening the strategic direction for the SWS Community."

About Kennedy Krieger Institute

Internationally recognized for improving the lives of children and adolescents with disorders and injuries of the brain, spinal cord, and musculoskeletal system, the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Md., serves more than 20,000 individuals each year through inpatient and outpatient clinics, home and community services, and school-based programs. Kennedy Krieger provides a wide range of services for children with developmental concerns mild to severe, and the Institute is home to a team of investigators who are contributing to the understanding of how disorders develop while pioneering new interventions and earlier diagnosis. For more information on Kennedy Krieger Institute, visit www.kennedykrieger.org.

About The Sturge-Weber Foundation

Since its founding in 1987, the Sturge-Weber Foundation (SWF) has provided patient care through information, education and advocacy with friendly support to adults, families of children with Sturge-Weber syndrome, and healthcare providers of this rare neurological disorder characterized by a facial port wine birthmark and often seizures and glaucoma. In 1992, the SWF expanded its outreach to include Klippel-Trenaunay (KT), a vascular disorder involving a port wine birthmark on the body or a limb. The SWF has initiated and supported comprehensive clinical and basic research into the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, and continues to connect and collaborate with stakeholders, for increased translational research. Improve patient quality of life ... become a Champion today! Visit http://www.sturge-weber.org and follow the Sturge-Weber Foundation on Facebook.